“Pleasantly surprised when we came in for happy hour and had a great experience. Cori was very friendly and knowledgeable. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area. The whipped feta ❤️Vegetarian options: I liked that there were various options from shared plates to salads to “sushi” rolls.“
“Worth the wait and must try! Beautiful and unique venue in the unassuming town of Des Plaines. Our server was kind and welcoming, food was delicious, drinks were fun and tasty. The only two items that were less than ideal, the horrible acoustics (incredibly loud) and although it was too on my list to try, the chicken shawarma rolls were underwhelming. Even with those two items, the great service and food quality it's still worth the 5 star review. We sat upstairs, which very much appreciated, being out of the hustle and bustle of the downstairs. Looking forward to trying the brunch and the outside patio... overlooking the water.“
Mediterranean • $$
“Foodwise, is truly a wonderful story, somebody in the kitchen knows what to do and that translates all the way to our braines stirring waves of good sensations.Their turkish culture habits, the hours limitation for certain types of food, do not always overlap with other's schedule or expectations. The staff is very polite and forthcoming but that's so much they can do.The atmosphere is a bit bizzare, the music for example, is not in tune with the specific, the way that the tables are set, suggests rather a train fare than a regular restaurant.Their sweets shop however, is there to take away all possible clouds and make your day.Parking: Plenty of parking“
“I had a great time at La Parra! It's located in Berwyn and has street parking that I had no trouble finding right in front of the restaurant. They're known for their creative cocktails which they feature on their Instagram page. The staff right away were super friendly and welcoming and our waiter did a nice job of reviewing their current special cocktail menu. I ordered the "mezcalito" I believe he called it, which was made with mezcal, lime juice, and fresh fruit juices (I know one was passion fruit!). This drink was amazing and so up my alley since I loveee mezcal and anything fresh and sweet. The overall atmosphere felt casual and comfortable. Tapas are on the menu so shared meals are encouraged. I ordered the chicken a la limon but I swapped the mashed potatoes for crispy Yukons. The potatoes were pretty good and the chicken was cooked well. I wasn't entirely blown away with what I ordered, but it was a good meal and the drinks and service were definitely 5-star worthy“
“Great authentic middle eastern food. I tried the chicken kabob bowl. The chicken was very tender and everything was delicious. Perfect sized portion as well. The falafel is also delicious. Service is fast and organized. Support a family owned business!“
“Truly excellent. I totally see why this place is so highly rated - it deserves more reviews even!I went here with my sister on a random Sunday for some Mediterranean food. We passed it by a million times but never knew it existed in this small strip mall! The person working the front is one awesome guy. I’m not sure if he’s the owner (he gives me owner vibes) but he was so personable, attentive, hospitable, and welcoming. Such a gracious host!The food was phenomenal, period. The hummus was so creamy and seasoned nicely, the chicken was flavorful and juicy, the lentil soup was delicious, the salad was refreshing, and the falafel was crispy on the inside and so soft on the inside. Everything was very fresh and flavorful. We took what we couldn’t finish home but rest assured we devoured everything lol.There’s convenient parking right outside and even though it’s a relatively small place, there’s tables inside for you to dine in if you’d like.I’ll totally be back here again! 5/5!“
“Automatically, love this place the minute I stepped in. The owners were eager to greet me. They are from Syria & Lebanon. Upon asking, the lady came out with soup for me! On the house!!!!!. I ordered take out. Catfish & combo 1. I’m real excited to eat this because Im waiting here writing this review DEVOURING the lentil soup.Service is immaculate.Everything 5 stars afterwards.Update: 40 mins later -Look at this cat fish y’all.This catfish is AMAZING.5+ stars.GIRRRLLLLLL.“
“The food is always fantastic and the service was stellar. I spent some time catching up with and old friend and the gentleman overseeing the dining area stayed close by, ready to clear our table, but respectfully not interrupting us. A fantastic experience“
“I was searching for a new location for Mediterranean food to try with my best friend and I found this restaurant. We came close to 8 pm, and it was a slightly chilly day. The owner of the restaurant was so kind, humble and so generous! Since we were the only people in the restaurant, he definitely made sure that we had a welcoming experience! He gave us complimentary lentil soups, and it was delicious, hearty, and filling. I would definitely come more often for the soup, and he gave us so much food! I ordered the chicken shawarma by itself, and the flavor of the chicken was delicious, and the condiments it came with were delicious, too! I will definitely be returning! The owner takes the time to make sure his customers are satisfied and he is hardworking and passionate, and he puts a lot of commitment and time into being the owner. The owner's kindness definitely made us feel cared for that day.Parking: Parking may be tight at times“
“We went back to Citrine for pre-concert eats on our way to Chicago. This is a Mediterranean-type restaurant. Cocktails are good, food is good. Service is impeccable. Our server this visit was Theo, and he was attentive and friendly. The other staff from the young woman who sat us to the guys who delivered food and cleared the table were attentive and always gave us a smile. My husband and I started out with a glass of wine and a cocktail. We decided once again to share small plates together. We had the New York strip steak tartare. It's absolutely fabulous so we had to have it again. Fresh steak with a raw egg on top that oozes into the steak as you break it, it's perfection. We also got the homemade lepinja bread served warm with a couple spreads. I can't eat nuts or seeds and it came out covered with sesame seeds. No problem, Theo was more than happy to take it back and have bread made just for me without seeds. That's great service. We then shared the roasted beet salad which had arugula, goat cheese, avocado, and orange. It was a very small salad for the price of $14. Having said that, the salad was fresh and I liked the different textures, but it was the size of a small side salad and not worth the price. I would pass on this my next visit. The final dish we shared was the shrimp and grits. The shrimp were large and grilled perfectly, the grits were creamy. This dish was packed with flavor and some heat. Delicious. Citrine accepts reservations and parking is paid street parking. I definitely recommend this restaurant and you must try the steak tartare. So damn delicious!“
“Been here a few times and absolutely love the environment, so cozy cute and just simply a wonderful place to bring your significant other for a beautiful dinner date! Also food is zabiha halal and truly authentic Turkish! Chicken doner is amazing and so doner kabob mmmm!!!“
“This place is special in a way that would almost makes me want to keep it a well-guarded secret. You don't really get this experience anymore, it takes a confluence of passion and community that's hard to come by in any era, let alone the modern, distanced, impersonal world we occupy now.This is the quintessential Chicago Mom n' Pop experience. Great food at ridiculously good prices served up with a smile and a friendly familiarity that makes you feel like you're right at home.The decor matches the patrons: humble, comfortable, working-class Americana and unapologetically Chicagoan to the core. You can tell most of the customers here are patrons for life, and with good reason. You always feel like a person here, not an order. They aren't just trying to turn over your ticket, they want to make sure you're taken care of.I can't tell you the last time I had perfect fries before this, like too-hot-to-eat, immaculate golden brown fries. I definitely can't recall ever getting them with a whole burger for under $7. I fed two hungry adults here for less than $20. It felt absurd, almost, like I wanted to pay more because it felt unfair to them that I'd pay twice that much at a lot of places.Just a positively perfect experience every time and we always make it a point to stop here anytime we're remotely close by.“
“Outstanding Dining Experience at Wild Pita RestaurantMy recent visit to Wild Pita Restaurant was nothing short of exceptional. The food was superb, offering a delightful array of Mediterranean flavors that left me thoroughly impressed. The service was equally commendable, with the staff providing attentive and friendly assistance throughout the meal. From the welcoming atmosphere to the knowledgeable staff, Wild Pita Restaurant truly exceeded my expectations, making it a must-visit dining destination for anyone seeking a memorable culinary experience.“
“Visiting from Indiana for training and decided to get Greek for dinner.....man o man o man.....was this a fantastic choice!When I pulled up, it was free valet parking and I was a little confused because I didn't anticipate it being that type of fine dining experience but I was wrong.We arrived at 6ish on Tuesday and let me say we beat the crowd. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, there was a wait for seating.As an appetizer we ordered the Flaming Cheese (Saganaki) And it was phenomenal. They automatically give you a platter of toasted bread and it was the perfect accompaniment.I ordered the chicken kebab meal which came with a soup and my choice of side. I chose the lemon chicken soup and greek potatoes...my tummy was in agreement with my choices.My friend ordered the Moussuka and it was a large portion that also came with soup and choice of side...she chose the mixed veggies and they were truly delicious.We tried the dandelion greens because neither of us had had them before. They weren't my fav but my friend loved them. This was simply a matter of preference nothing more nothing less.My friend got a baklava to go because we were too full for dessert at that moment.The portions are healthy, service was top notch and the food was obviously quality ingredients. There is something for everyone on this menu!“
“This is a newer spot near me that I recently discovered, it overs a different variety of food to the area. Will fulfill that middle eastern craving close to home and they offer other menu items for those not brave enough to venture. Have been here a few times and it doesn't disappoint.“
“Always welcoming atmosphere, best "burek" and "cevapi u lepinji" in town. Always quick and fresh.I always feel welcome, the hosts are always in a good mood.Cevapi in a bun like at home! Excellent! Burek is always freshly prepared.“
“Pita Inn is consistent in quality and service. The business lunch special is great! I call my order in 10-15 min before arriving during lunchtime rush and it’s almost always ready when I walk in to pick up. There is plenty of parking in the back, no need to jam up Milwaukee Ave trying to find an open spot in front of the building. Perhaps management could place a sign showing that.“
“enjoyed a wonderful dinner last night, started off with the mezza platter which i highly recommend followed by the most tender octopus ive ever had then thoroughly enjoyed the scallops which were exquisite and also ordered the chicken thighs with a unique taste of its own; i was visiting from out of town but its worth the drive and i highly recommend a visit“
“Food is excellent and tastes homemade. Our favorites are all lamb - tagine, kebab, and merguez. Mint tea is a must. CASH ONLY so make sure you have some or get cash back at Walgreens at the corner. Parking is easy on side streets west and south. Hidden neighborhood gem.Dietary restrictions: They’re mindful if you have an allergy.“
“Ordered a beef schwarma dinner with a yogurt cucumber salad and coffee. My dinner was excellent. Our server went above and beyond, was warm, welcoming and polite.. And overall the atmosphere was nice. Only complaint is there was a considerable draft of cold air everytime the door opened.“
“I haven't tasted any food in my travels as memorable and delicious as Hassan's restaurant! Best in Chicagoland,-believe me!My boyfriend and I ordered the Lamb special and we like to order hummus and the yummy warm bread. A cozy date and our hostess/waitress was attentive and very kind! A really charming restaurant.“
“I’ve seen this place on the google maps one year ago and forgot to go there. 1 week ago a was lucky to stop in this area and was so starving. I entered the restaurant, and there was a very polite lady meet me and served well. I ordered chicken kebab shawarma which I recommended to eat if you in rush and needs to go back to work faster. The food was so great and they also give a garlic sauce which goes fantastic with shawarma. What I did? I ordered again! Tasty!“
“Rustico's new space on Oak Park Ave. (in the old Oak Park Brewery) is incredible in terms of its aesthetics. Very open, high, exposed bow-tie roof trusses, reclaimed wood plank ceiling, a really cool floor (tinted concrete?), and exposed brick walls. Totally cool vibe indeed. Myself, my wife, and two 21 year old kids dined there 1.5 weeks ago and it was awesome. Upon arriving, we were seated immediately. All of the staff that helped us were great: fun, personable, and attentive. We ordered the seafood Paella, Carbonara, Fruitti Di Mare, and Braised Short Ribs. All seafood in the Paella and Fruitti Di Mare was cooked to perfection-nothing was the least bit rubbery and everything was quite savory. The Carbonara was so tasty and incredibly decadent (which, when ordering Carbonara, you almost expect!). The Braised short ribs that my son ordered were so good (based on his review), but unfortunately, decorum prohibits printing the words he used to describe his love of the dish herein. When the bill arrived, there was absolutely no sticker shock and in fact, my wife and I felt that the entrees were very reasonably priced (especially given their generous portions). I don't think that many diners leave this place hungry. Personally, I love Rustico as the food is awesome but the restaurant is anything but pretentious. We will most def be back soon! Jimmah!“
“The experience at Zhivago was truly exceptional! The atmosphere was lovely, and the staff were exceptionally friendly and welcoming. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, adding to the overall experience. I highly recommend Zhivago to anyone looking for a fantastic event – it's definitely worth a visit!“
“We dined at Plateia for the first time tonight. The food is absolutely fantastic. We had the feta and honey appetizer along with tzatziki and fresh warm pita. For our main course, I had the yogurt chicken and oven potatoes which were delicious. My husband had the pastitcio which he enjoyed. Service was great, too! By the way, while waiting did our table, we observed a screaming woman who was upset that she had not been seated yet. She was incredibly rude to the hostesses and left in a huff. She threatened to leave nasty reviews on Yelp, calling the restaurant "trash". Make no mistake... she was the trashy one. If she leaves a review here, ignore it!“
“Shish Kabob and Grill is definitely a go to place of mine for great food. The server always greets customers with a smile and he even remembers my usual - the Beef Kabob. It's a welcoming restaurant for everyone who comes in, has a good selection of food, and you pay for what you get every time.Parking: The parking lot has a lot of space due to the area it is in. There's always parking right in front of the building so it's a short walk.Kid-friendliness: The server is friendly with all customers including younger ones. Always checking in to make sure pita bread is filled and water glasses are full. Helps clean up messes that are made as well.“
“Went there with a group of friends last night. The place was so cute & cozy. While there are a lot of entrees to choose from we just ordered a bunch of appetizers & cocktails. Food was delicious & service was excellent. Great for a date night, girls night or just hanging with friends. It also has a very nice bar to just stop in for a cocktail. Check it out!“
“Hands down the best slider trio I have ever had. Regular cheeseburger was terrific. Buffalo chicken with blue cheese was outstanding. But the winner was the pot roast slider. Wow. Tons of flavor and very juicy. We had never been to down Elmhurst and decided to try this gem. We will be back!!!“
“Cozy place in Oak Park with great tasting food.My order always includes stuffed grape leaves and hummus.Kofta kebab are delicious and you can't go wrong with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. If you are craving Moroccan food, this is definitely the place!“
“Jerusalem Cafe is like a cheat code for affordable, nutritious food in Oak Park. It's just about the cheapest place to get tasty salmon in downtown OP, and all the food is reliably delicious. I've lived here long enough to remember the restaurants that used to occupy this space, and I'm glad Jerusalem Cafe has stuck around.“
“Nadine was an amazing server! She was prompt and knowledgable about the establishment. Food was good, but nothing to rave about.Definitely would come again if someone wanted to meet here, but don't think it would be something I'd crave to come back on my own terms.“
“Title: A Delightful Experience at Amante BakeryI recently had the pleasure of visiting Amante Bakery and I must say, it was an absolutely delightful experience. From the moment I stepped into the bakery, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The smell of freshly baked goods filled the air, instantly making my mouth water.The star of the show was undoubtedly their Miodovnik cake. It was a true masterpiece, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. Every bite was an adventure of rich honey, aromatic spices, and layers of moist cake. It was obvious that a lot of care and craftsmanship went into creating this delectable treat.What made the experience even more enjoyable was the owner's Daniela dedication to customer satisfaction. They truly made me feel welcome and valued as a customer. Their attentiveness and willingness to answer my questions and provide recommendations was a testament to their passion for their craft.Overall, my visit to Amante Bakery was a memorable one. Not only did I have the opportunity to indulge in their incredible Miodovnik cake, but I also experienced a level of service that went above and beyond. I highly recommend this bakery to anyone seeking a truly exceptional bakery experience. I will definitely be returning to Amante Bakery for more of their delightful creations. Customer from Children's Land“
“Whenever I'm in Chicago I search for hidden gem foodie spots. I mean Chicago is literally foodie Heaven. We didn't dine in because we were trying to prepare for an event but I'm kind of glad we didn't. It's small and dark inside, and I felt like the tables were too close together. But they made up for it all with an AMAZING breakfast. I got the gyro skillet. Absolutely delicious!! The picture does it absolutely no justice.. I never thought of gyro as a breakfast item and now I know I need it often. There were huge portions of meat and amazing tzatziki sauce and nobody will ever call them stingy with the cheese because for every bite I got delicious feta cheese chunks mixed in. It was amazing. The pancakes were basic, there was nothing wrong with them but I'm not going to reminisce on them. But that gyro skillet!!! I can't wait to get it again“
“The food and service were amazing, my second time coming here for lunch and I’m blown away with the taste and quality of food. The staff is very friendly and answers any questions related to the menu. Would recommend to anyone - fantastic spot for some delicious Mediterranean food ??“
“Has so many choices of food from sandwiches to sea food and regular grill food ! The only thing Abt the Italian beef it wasn't as proportioned in meat compared to Portillos for example.. Great service and lots of seating to your comfort! Will definitely come back to try other meals !“
“Shemroon is my go-to spot for the most authentic Persian cuisine in the city! Their koubedeh and joojeh kabab are unparalleled, boasting rich flavors that keep me coming back for more. Not only are the portions generous, but the prices are also reasonable. The staff are always friendly and attentive, ensuring a great dining experience every time. I highly recommend Shemroon to anyone craving delicious Persian food!Vegetarian options: na“
“From the moment I stepped into North Avenue Falafel for the second stop on my Ramadining adventures, I knew I was in for something special. Opting for the combination special was a decision I’ll never regret. This platter is a culinary journey that brings the best of the Middle East to your table - featuring beef kabab, chicken kabab, kofta kabab, alongside a chicken shawarma sandwich that’s nothing short of a masterpiece. The chicken shawarma was exceptionally moist and flavorful, wrapped in a cloud of pita bread that carried every bite to new heights.But it doesn’t stop there. The accompaniments - rice, baba ghanoush, hummus, fatoush salad, alongside generous servings of garlic sauce - each added layers of flavor that complemented the main dishes beautifully. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced harmoniously on the palate.North Avenue Falafel has truly outdone itself, creating a space where food transcends mere eating; it’s an experience, a celebration of culinary excellence. The warmth and authenticity of this place are unparalleled, making every bite feel like a slice of home, no matter where you’re from.For anyone embarking on their own Ramadining adventure or simply in search of exceptional Middle Eastern cuisine, North Avenue Falafel is a must-visit. Their chicken shawarma alone is worth the trip, but it’s the whole package - the food, the ambiance, the hospitality - that will keep you coming back for more.“
“The tapas selection is excellent. Each comes with ~3 servings, and there is something for everyone! Highly recommend the stuffed Spanish peppers and pork medallions. Service is spectacular - they don't judge how bad your pronunciation “
“I was nearby running an errand when I spotted this place and took a chance and it paid off. The chicken shawarma sandwich was delicious. It took sometime to make but was really tasty and fries were crispy and hot! The lady took care of my famished tummy and was very sweet to talk to. Highly recommend it if you’re around.“
“Stop what you're doing and come get brunch here. Seriously. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. Filling. Savory. And reminiscent of my travels throughout Eurasia and the Middle East. Step into this old school establishment and be greeted by the friendly staff and beautiful bar adorned with colorful bottles. Walk towards the back wall lined with bottles of wine to your table where the experience begins. The brunch is the main event. Get the Turkish tea, I like mine with a little sugar. Then dive face first into the enormous spread of good eats coming your way. Eggs, menemen (tomato eggs), house baked breads, veggies, kofta, varied cheeses and spreads...ugh I can't get enough. I left with a full belly and heart as we sat for an hour digesting, sipping tea, and having great conversation. Seriously do yourself a favor and visit this place before it becomes too popular of a spot. 5/5“
“Incredible food! This is such a great option to have restaurant high quality Meals specially prepared to be taken home! I have tried most items, and often get some sides & appetizers, to have for lunch next day. I especially love the eggplant Parmigiano, Sour Cherry saffron rice, Prosciutto & mushroom pasta, etc. Service is really friendly, with the proprietor hands on! I highly recommend this local treasure!“
“Amazing work, great staff and the best at the business for size of meal. ?Cannot recommend this place enough. Try their food and you will not regret it.Chicken ? kabab, Kabab and shish twaok are amazing and are shown in the picture. The only best place in Chicago.Skoki is lucky to have this place best middle eastern cuisine.??Wheelchair accessibility: Available“
“1st time here and was absolutely delicious ?Their homade hummus was delicious ? as was their chicken kabobsBy the amount of traffic that was coming in and out, must be a popular place.Great service too, very kind & friendly workers.Will definitely be coming back!!You get what you pay for, lots left over to take with you.“
“I’ve lived less than a mile from this place for a decade and never tried it; tonight was the night. It’s a unique establishment - hookah lounge, banquet hall, bar. Walking in was a little confusing for first timers but we were quickly welcomed and seated at the bar. Drink pours were impressively heavy. Our food came out fast and was great. The cheese burek appetizer deserves special mention with its garlic and hot sauces! Our waiter/bartender was in full hustle mode on a busy Friday night but still found time to take good care of us and have a few short chats. Overall I’d highly recommend eating here. It’s a bit “different,” but who likes the same old thing over and over? I’ll be back.Dietary restrictions: Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options here.Parking: Parking in front and behind the building, one lot has a small curb to traverse. Not an issue for most vehicles.“
“They have a new location! They moved from their old one. The new location is at 1935 lincoln park west. They replaced 'Mesa Urbana'.The food as always is perfect! Seasoned well, cooked tender and juicy, and incredibly large portions! If you like Mediterranean food, this is a absolute must if you're in chicago! The included pixtures are the shwarma fries, hummus, and beef shawarma atop rice!(for some reason I cannot inclue my pictures? I'll edit if It decides to work again)Everything that leaves this kitchen is absolutely divine, and I cannot offer higher praise for a restaurant.Parking: Free parking! Plenty of room“
“During an unexpected additional day in the city caused by a cancelled flight leg, I ended up at a hotel near ORD. On a whim, I visited Sultan for lunch, a restaurant about which I knew nothing beforehand. It turned out to be an incredibly pleasant surprise. The food was remarkably fresh, brimming with flavor, and all at a very reasonable price. Fayez, the owner, personally takes care of his guests, and his hospitality is truly outstanding. His commitment to providing a memorable dining experience was genuinely touching and highly appreciated. So impressed by the warmth and quality of my first visit, I eagerly returned for dinner the same day, further making Sultan a highlight of my extended stay in the city. I wholeheartedly recommend this restaurant. If it were possible, I would give it 10 stars!“